Modern Desk Sets
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Contemporary Coloured Crystal Perfume Diffuser.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Contemporary coloured crystal perfume diffuser.
Contemporary perfume diffuser in cut and coloured crystal.
A beautiful diffuser vase not only enhances the visual appeal of a space, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Crystal
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Desk Trays Set in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in brass. Dimensions for trays: 35.4 x 23 x 2H cm; 23.5 x 7.5 x 2H cm; 12.5 x 7.5 x 2 H cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry A4 Tray in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in brass. The compositional scheme of this family of small trays is the axonometric isometric projection of two parallelepipeds which creates a three-dimensional optical effect...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Business Card Holder with Authentic Fossil Ammonite - Fossiline Collection
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
An exclusive and refined desk accessory: this business card holder combines elegant design with the extraordinary beauty of a genuine fossil ammonite.
Each piece is unique and unrep...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Desk Trays Set in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in copper with rose gold finish. Dimensions for trays: 35.4 x 23 x 2H cm; 23.5 x 7.5 x 2 H cm; 12.5 x 7.5 x 2 H cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Copper
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Set 2 Large Cube Tray in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in brass. The compositional scheme of this family of small trays is the axonometric isometric projection of two parallelepipeds which creates a three-dimensional optical effect...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Copper
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Rectangular Small Tray in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tray in copper with a rose gold finish. Tray in brass. Elegant in living and dining spaces alike, this tray can be used to display objects in the living room and bedroom, store paper...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Copper
Heather Burl Magnifying Glass and Letter Opener Set - ESSENCE Collection
By Nino Basso
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Add a touch of elegance to your desk with the exquisite magnifying glass and letter opener set from our exclusive ESSENCES collection.
Designed by renowned designer Nino Basso, this...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood
Italian modern grey decorated plastic telephone Twin Phone Deco by Swatch, 1980s
By Swatch
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern grey decorated plastic telephone Twin Phone Deco by Swatch, 1980s
Gray plastic landline telephone. On the handset there are printed geometric decorations, in red, yellow, blue and light blue. The number keys and the side keys are made of orange plastic, as are the two feet.
Produced by Swatch in 1980s. Present label on the back and logo printed in yellow.
Good condition, with signs of use and age.
Measurements in cm 7.5x24.5x8h
This beautiful phone is perfect for you if you are a lover of vintage technology...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Plastic
Ghidini 1961 Tip Top Pencil Holder in Rose Gold by Richard Hutten
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Pencil holder in stainless steel
When you look at the top view of the Tip-Top series, all the triangles have the same size. In 3D these triangles have been stretched, which creates ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Stainless Steel
Ghidini 1961 Tip Top Pencil Holder in Gold by Richard Hutten
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Pencil holder in stainless steel
When you look at the top view of the Tip-Top series, all the triangles have the same size. In 3D these triangles have been stretched, which creates ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Stainless Steel
Italian modern yellow rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern yellow rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s
Set of 3 round rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, in bright yellow plastic. The r...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Plastic
Italian modern purple rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern purple rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s
Set of 3 round rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, in purple plastic. The ring has...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Plastic
Italian modern black rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s
Set of 3 round rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, in black plastic. The ring has t...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Plastic
Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Cedar with Ceramic Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The modern ceramic-tipped Christmas tree brings a vibrant touch to your holiday décor with its rich color and sculptural form. This handcrafted solid cedar set features limited-editi...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Cedar with Ceramic Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The modern ceramic-tipped Christmas tree brings a vibrant touch to your holiday décor with its rich color and sculptural form. This handcrafted solid cedar set features limited-editi...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree CEDAR – Cedar, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The minimal solid cedar decorative Christmas tree adds a natural and elegant atmosphere to your holiday décor. Inspired by the aesthetic form of the cedar tree, these holiday decorat...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree CEDAR – Cedar, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
Masif sedir minimal dekoratif yılbaşı ağacı, yeni yıl dekorasyonunuza doğal ve zarif bir atmosfer kazandırır. Sedir ağacının estetik formundan ilham alınarak tasarlanan bu yılbaşı de...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree FIR – Cedar, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The minimal solid cedar decorative Christmas tree is designed to enrich your holiday atmosphere, inspired by the elegant form of the fir tree. This handcrafted solid wood tree offers...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree FIR – Cedar, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The minimal solid cedar decorative Christmas tree is designed to enrich your holiday atmosphere, inspired by the elegant form of the fir tree. This handcrafted solid wood tree offers...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree CEDAR – Cedar with Brass Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The natural solid cedar minimalist Christmas trees, with their large-scale design, add both elegance and a sense of nature to your holiday theme. Inspired by the form of the cedar tr...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree CEDAR – Cedar with Brass Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The natural solid cedar minimalist Christmas trees, with their large-scale design, add both elegance and a sense of nature to your holiday theme. Inspired by the form of the cedar tr...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Italian modern dark brown rings for perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern dark brown rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s
Set of 3 round rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, in dark brown plastic. The ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Plastic
Italian modern light blue rings for perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern light blue rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s
Set of 3 round rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, in light blue plastic. The ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Plastic
Italian modern light green rings for perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date 2020
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern light green rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s
Set of 3 round rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, in light green plastic. Th...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Plastic
Wooden Christmas Tree FIR – Cedar with Brass Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The solid cedar minimalist Christmas decoration tree is designed to add an elegant touch to your holiday setup. Inspired by the aesthetic form of the f...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree FIR – Cedar with Brass Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The solid cedar minimalist Christmas decoration tree is designed to add an elegant touch to your holiday setup. Inspired by the aesthetic form of the f...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree JUNIPER – Cedar with Brass Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The brass-tipped decorative Christmas tree is designed to complete your holiday décor with natural cedar wood and elegant brass accents. Inspired by the form of the juniper tree, thi...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree JUNIPER – Cedar with Brass Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The brass-tipped decorative Christmas tree is designed to complete your holiday décor with natural cedar wood and elegant brass accents. Inspired by the form of the juniper tree, thi...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Cedar, Medium Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The minimal modern handcrafted tree set is designed to bring a natural and aesthetic atmosphere to your holiday theme. These solid cedar decorative Christmas objects...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Cedar, Medium Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The minimal modern handcrafted tree set is designed to bring a natural and aesthetic atmosphere to your holiday theme. These solid cedar decorative Christmas objects...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Brass-Tipped Brown Cedar, Medium Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The brass-tipped solid cedar minimalist Christmas tree is designed to add a sophisticated touch to your holiday theme. Inspired by the natural forms of Cedar, Fir, and Juniper trees,...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Brass-Tipped Brown Cedar, Medium Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The brass-tipped solid cedar minimalist Christmas tree is designed to add a sophisticated touch to your holiday theme. Inspired by the natural forms of Cedar, Fir, and Juniper trees,...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set CEDAR – Cedar
Located in Orlando, FL
The handcrafted solid cedar Christmas tree set is designed to complete your holiday theme with a warm and natural atmosphere. Inspired by the natural structure of cedar wood, the abs...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set CEDAR – Cedar
Located in Orlando, FL
The handcrafted solid cedar Christmas tree set is designed to complete your holiday theme with a warm and natural atmosphere. Inspired by the natural structure of cedar wood, the abs...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set FIR – Cedar
Located in Orlando, FL
The natural cedar minimalist Christmas trees are unique decorative pieces that blend the natural beauty of the fir tree with a modern design. This luxurious handcrafted solid cedar t...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set JUNIPER – Cedar
Located in Orlando, FL
The JUNIPER decorative solid handmade Christmas tree set adds warmth to your holiday theme with its minimalist and natural design. Inspired by the aesthetic form of the juniper tree,...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set, Duo CEDAR – Cedar with Brass Tip
Located in Orlando, FL
The gold-accented natural cedar Christmas tree is a unique decorative piece inspired by the natural texture of cedar wood. Completed with brass tip details, these natural holiday tre...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Emerald Green Shagreen Leather Letter Opener and Ruler Set - Galucharme
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your desk with our exclusive Galucharme letter opener and ruler set. This luxury set features a handle made of genuine shagreen leather,...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Metal
Wooden Christmas Tree Set, Duo JUNIPER – Cedar with Brass Tip
Located in Orlando, FL
The gold-tipped solid cedar decorative Christmas tree is designed to complete your holiday theme with simplicity and elegance. Inspired by the natural form of the juniper tree and re...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Genuine Fossil Ammonite Pen Holder with Nickel-plated Metal Detail
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
An extraordinary object that combines nature and design: this unique pen holder is the result of the union of a real fossil ammonite from the Sahara, belonging to the Goniatite famil...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Stone, Brass
Wooden Christmas Tree Set, Duo JUNIPER – Cedar with Brass Tip
Located in Orlando, FL
The gold-tipped solid cedar decorative Christmas tree is designed to complete your holiday theme with simplicity and elegance. Inspired by the natural form of the juniper tree and re...
Category
2010s Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Brass-Tipped Cedar, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The modern and elegant solid cedar Christmas tree set offers an aesthetic and functional choice for your holiday décor. Inspired by the natural forms of Cedar, Fir, and Juniper, this...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree CEDAR – Cedar with Bronze Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
Decorative, minimalist solid cedar trees bring both a natural and modern aesthetic to your holiday theme. Inspired by the graceful form of the fir tree, these Christmas décor pieces ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree CEDAR – Cedar with Bronze Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
Decorative, minimalist solid cedar trees bring both a natural and modern aesthetic to your holiday theme. Inspired by the graceful form of the fir tree, these Christmas décor pieces ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree FIR – Cedar with Bronze Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The luxury bronze-tipped Christmas tree features an elegant design that brings the festive spirit into your living spaces. Inspired by the iconic form of the fir tree and reinterpret...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree FIR – Cedar with Bronze Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The luxury bronze-tipped Christmas tree features an elegant design that brings the festive spirit into your living spaces. Inspired by the iconic form of the fir tree and reinterpret...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Cedar with Bronze Tip, Medium Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The luxury bronze-tipped Christmas tree is designed to complete your holiday décor with natural elegance. Inspired by the aesthetic forms of three distinct trees—Cedar, Fir, and Juni...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree JUNIPER – Cedar with Bronze Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The JUNIPER Wooden Christmas Tree, in its large size, is a handcrafted statement piece designed to bring natural elegance to your holiday décor. Inspired by the stylized silhouette o...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree JUNIPER – Cedar with Bronze Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The JUNIPER Wooden Christmas Tree, in its large size, is a handcrafted statement piece designed to bring natural elegance to your holiday décor. Inspired by the stylized silhouette o...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set, Duo CEDAR – Cedar with Bronze Tip
Located in Orlando, FL
The bronze-tipped decorative solid cedar Christmas tree is designed to blend the unique texture and form of natural cedar wood with the warmth of the holiday season. Each tree is one...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Wooden Christmas Tree Set, Duo FIR – Cedar with Bronze Tip
Located in Orlando, FL
The bronze-tipped solid cedar Christmas tree set is inspired by the graceful form of the fir tree and specially crafted to bring the festive spirit into your living spaces. Featuring...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Desk Set with Fossil Ammonite - Uniqueness and History: A Timeless Gift
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Lens and Letter Opener Set: Uniqueness and History, A Timeless Gift
The combination of the modernity of the design and the antiquity of the ammonites makes this set a one-of-a-kind "...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Metal, Brass
Bymyside Desk Accessories by Rectangle Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Bymyside desk accessories by Rectangle Studio
Dimensions: W 25 x D 2 x H 48 cm
Materials: Black marble
Bymyside desk is a complementary design accessory that is manually shaped...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Marble
Coral Pink Shagreen Leather Pen Holder - Elegant and Refined Design
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Coral Pink Shagreen Leather Pen Holder - Elegant and Refined Design
Add a touch of elegance to your desk with this unique designer pen holder, perfect for decorating in style or as a...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Metal
Magnifying glass ammonite handle real fossil shell one piece
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
An amazing authentic fossil ammonite, evidence of forms lived millions of years ago and preserved over time, it becomes the handle of this unique and unrepeatable magnifying glass...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Metal, Brass
Green Guatemala Incense Plate by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Green Guatemala Incense Plate by Henry Wilson
Dimensions: D 28 x H 4 cm
Materials: Green Guatemala Marble
The Incense plate is carved from solid Green G...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Marble
Classico Travertine Incense Plate by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Classico Travertine Incense Plate by Henry Wilson
Dimensions: D 28 x H 4 cm
Materials: Travertine
The incense plate is carved from solid green Guatemala...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Marble
Modern desk sets for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern desk sets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desk sets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, tables, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern desk sets made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Spain pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk sets, popular names associated with this style include Ghidini 1961, Elisa Giovannoni, Valerio Ciampicacigli, and Jaime Hayon. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desk sets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $57,800 while the average work can sell for $530.